Reaction to Wolfowitz's resignation

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz, under fire for arranging a pay and promotion agreement for his companion, who was employed by the bank, announced on Thursday he will resign effective June 30.

U.S. POLITICAL REACTION

WHITE HOUSE SPOKESMAN TONY FRATTO

"Paul Wolfowitz is a good man who is passionate about the plight of poor people in the world. We would have preferred that he stay at the Bank, but the president reluctantly accepts his decision."

SEN. CHRISTOPHER DODD, DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL HOPEFUL

"Mr. Wolfowitz's actions have impeded the ability of the World Bank to carry out its critical mission of alleviating global poverty. His resignation will help to restore the integrity and credibility of the World Bank, both of which are central to the bank carrying out its mission."

U.S. TREASURY SECRETARY HENRY PAULSON

"I intend to move quickly to help the President identify a nominee to lead the World Bank going forward. I will consult my colleagues around the world as we search for a leader who will continue to focus the Bank on creating opportunities for the world's poorest by assuring that resources are directed to effective, efficient, well-coordinated projects."

INTERNATIONAL REACTION

MARGARITO TEVES, PHILIPPINE FINANCE SECRETARY, SPEAKING ON

ROLE OF WORLD BANK

"Their first and primary goal is to reduce poverty. When Wolfowitz came in the focus was on anti-corruption moves, to me there is a correlation between good governance and reduction in poverty... but some people say this is not a goal by itself, but rather an instrument to attaining a higher goal. But the focus should be on the higher goal. The messages, the communication should continue to be poverty."

ADVOCACY GROUP REACTION

BERNICE ROMERO, ADVOCACY DIRECTOR OF OXFAM INTERNATIONAL

"Wolfowitz's resignation shows that even the office of the president has to play by the rules. The U.S. and other rich countries must now show that they are serious about good governance by allowing the next head of the Bank to be appointed based on merit through an open, accountable process."

DANIEL MITTLER, GREENPEACE INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL ADVISOR